Free Will: The Basics

Abstract

Are we morally responsible for what we do? Ordinarily, we take it for granted that we are. You might feel guilty about forgetting your mother’s birthday, or declining a friend’s party invitation when you knew they really wanted you to go. If your mother forgets your birthday, or your friend declines your invitation, you might resent them for it, and you might (or might not) forgive them later; whereas, if a friend does something kind for you, you might be grateful to them. These emotional responses are central to our lives, and they are part and parcel of our conception of ourselves and others as bearers of moral responsibility. If we were to think that we are not really morally responsible for what we and others do, it would be inappropriate to feel guilty when we harm others, or resentful or grateful when other people do things that harm or benefit us.